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Baby showers are such an exciting event on the pregnancy calendar and of course one of the most important parts of the day is opening the presents. You hear all the Oohs and Aaahs when the expectant mum unwraps all the gorgeous little gifts.

So what do you get for a baby shower present? Well, I have noticed that when the mum-to-be opens up something hand made, it almost always gets the biggest reaction! You see all baby presents are welcomed and appreciated, but when something unique is made just for your baby ” it makes you feel REALLY special.

Also don’t forget the extra credit you’ll get for months or years to come when that baby arrives wrapped in or wearing the gift that YOU MADE!

So, heres a REALLY BASIC guide to making a unique blanket! Trust me its SSSSOOOO easy. If you can sew (almost) straight lines then YOU CAN DO THIS!

UNIQUE BLANKIES!

STEP 1: Go to a fabric shop and find the flannelette material.

STEP 2: Choose different fabrics so you can make it look different on each side. Mix and match and have some fun. Maybe pink stripes on one side and yellow butterflies on the other. Perhaps go unisex if you’re not sure if the baby is a boy or girl.

STEP 3: Ask the assistant to cut your fabric to 1.2 metres.

STEP 4: Sit at a large flat table to pin your fabric together. Make sue the pattern is facing IN.

STEP 5: Sew straight lines around all the edges leaving a 10cm hole on one side.

STEP 6: Turn the fabric inside out.

STEP 7: Go to the hole and tuck the edges in so it looks neat and tidy like the rest of the blanket. You may want to iron it down so it stays flat.

STEP 8: Sew 2 straight lines around the edge of the whole blankie. This is done for 2 reasons. A) To sew up the whole left when you turned the fabric inside out. B) It makes a nice border.

You can make the 2 lines straight or get creative and choose a fancy stitch on your sewing machine. Please note if you do a fancy stitch you may just need to do one row and always remember to practice on a piece of scrap first.

STEP 9: You’re done with the sewing! YAY! Now fold the blanket nicely and add a pretty bow.

STEP 10: Give your present with pride and watch the response when the “Mum To Be” realises you put so much effort into making her gorgeous little baby a special hand made present.